Get to Know Your PT: Josh Hardy, Therapydia Denver Physical Therapist
Therapydia Denver physical therapist Josh Hardy takes some time to talk about his love of the mountains, staying active year-round, and how a high school basketball injury led to a career in PT.
“Find fun things to do that will keep you fit. You’ll never work out another day in your life.”
When did you know that you wanted to be a physical therapist?
When I was a junior in high school. I fractured my pelvis during a basketball game and ended up doing a fair amount of PT to get ready for track season. Spending time with my physical therapist got me interested in anatomy and biomechanics and I never looked back.
What is the biggest challenge involved in being a PT?
Honestly, the paperwork. It is tough to give your patients what they need and deserve in each visit while staying on top of your charts. In a busy week, you can easily end up doing 10-15 hours of paperwork on top of seeing 40 hours worth of patients.
How do you like to stay active?
In the summertime I love to hike, cycle, camp, and fly fish. In the wintertime I love to snowboard and snowshoe.
What’s your favorite song to get you motivated?
“17 Years” by Ratatat. It can get me excited to do anything from snowboarding to paperwork. That song just really gets me going.
What surprised you the most about the physical therapist profession?
How much health insurance influences care. In situations where a lot of rehab is needed (ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, etc.), you really have to look at the patient’s insurance situation and strategize about how to ensure that they make a full recovery within the confines of their benefits.
Are you currently pursuing any further education/certifications?
Next on my continuing education list is definitely a shoulder course. Bigger picture, I’m always considering going back to get my PhD and someday contribute to the PT profession as an educator.
What do you wish everyone knew about physical therapy?
With most insurance plans you can come straight to physical therapy. If you have a musculoskeletal issue, you can often save yourself a copay and potential added costs of imaging by going to the practitioner that is ultimately going to get you healthy again (your PT).
What’s your go-to breakfast?
2 farm freshies sunny side up, 1 strip of bacon, wheat toast.
What is the most important personality trait that a PT must have?
You have to be outgoing and enjoy speaking with people. A big part of the job is having 15 to 20, 30-minute conversations per day.
What do you do to de-stress/unwind?
I like to get out of the city and up into the hills. It doesn’t really matter what I’m doing, I’m always happy if I’m in the mountains.
Finish this sentence: On Saturday mornings, you can usually find me…
Heading west on I-70
What is your favorite piece of wellness advice to offer?
Find fun things to do that will keep you fit. You’ll never “work out” another day in your life.
Click here to learn more about Josh and the other physical therapists at Therapydia Denver.
